When to sell?

Homeowners face a double dilemma when dealing with the prospect of selling their homes. How do you make sure the decision to sell is the right one? When is the right time to sell?

Traditionally, the four major reasons why and when people sell their homes are financial and market conditions, employment changes, family matters and lifestyle changes. However, the current issue of low interest rates and a large selection of homes also has a great bearing. These reasons not only affect your decision to sell, they can greatly impact your options about when to sell.

- Financial and market conditions: Almost every aspect to real estate involves market conditions and financial issues. For the seller they are of the utmost importance because it's the seller who's putting property, equity and maybe years of hard work on the line.

With so much at stake, it's really beneficial that sellers contact a realtor who has the experience and knowledge of the real estate industry.

The terms "buyers" and "sellers" market refers to the proportion of people wanting to buy versus the number of homes on the market. If the number of homes for sale exceeds potential buyers, then it's a buyers market. If there are not enough homes to satisfy demand, then it's a sellers market.

If selling for financial gain, you'll want a sellers market. But if you plan to purchase a home after sale, there isn't as big a difference as you'd first imagined. In a sellers market, you may sell your home more quickly and for a better price, but you'll be facing the opposite challenges when purchasing. In a buyers market, you may have to wait longer to get a fair price, but you'll have more selection and pricing options when looking for your new property.

- Employment changes: Employment changes can influence a decision to sell, such as relocation when a new job or promotion is in a different city and it's necessary to move, unless the homeowner wishes to retain a property for investment or other purposes. Moving to a smaller urban centre may allow you to purchase a similar home for less money or a bigger one for the same outlay. Even if a new job doesn't require a move, it's a good opportunity to assess your needs.

- Family issues: The family issue homeowners cite more than any other when deciding to sell is children. Most often, people want a bigger home to accommodate a newborn, or may find their family has simply outgrown their current house. Often, a parent may be rejoining the family and a separate suite or nanny quarters is in the plans. As life goes on many different situations can arise requiring a change in homes.

- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes and retirement are common reasons that motivate sellers. It's wise to look far enough ahead in order to use the market to your advantage and sell at a good price. Changes in lifestyle can include moving to a condo or simply changing your pace of life from city dweller to country living.

Whatever the "why" or "when" for selling, make sure you are working with an expert -- one with honesty and integrity and the highest of professional standards. Make sure you are working with a realtor. Visit www.windsorrealestate.com to find your realtor and that perfect home.

Anna Vozza is president of the Windsor-Essex County Real Estate Board. Phone 519-966-6432.

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